1.20.09

Part of my New Year's Resolution was to be more committed to this blog and I can't think of a better opportunity than on the day of President Barack Obama's Inauguration.

I went to my sister Susan's house today to watch the swearing in with her, Ken and Sophie. It felt great to be together on such a special day and here are some of my thoughts as I witness this remarkable day and record "Where I was when..."

Like so many other Americans I find it hard to come up with words that encompass all the feelings I have today. Optimism, pride, hope, inspiration -- they are all in the mix, but what stuns me the most is to see the overwhelming happiness across the country and around the world. Despite the staggering challenges we face and every reason to be afraid, people are not reacting with anger or looking to blame, they are not cynical or hopeless. Instead we have found and elected the right man at the right time -- one to make us want to be better people, to do good, to live up to the ideals that have always set America apart.

I think it is wonderful that we have freely elected our nation's first African-American president and I understand what this day signifies for that community. I also embrace the large step forward we have taken to end racial barriers. The country is different now and I love that kids will have a new role model for success and reaching your dreams. (He is making it cool to be smart!). However, I think that the public reaction to this man and his "call to arms", that we all bear responsibility and contribute to the repair of this country, far exceeds the color of his skin. Millions of people came together on the National Mall without a single incident and millions more are finding new ways to make a difference in their own home towns.

I wasn't around to hear John F. Kennedy's inauguration speech or King's "I Have a Dream" speech, and we have been sorely lacking inspirational leaders in my lifetime thus far. I think Barack Obama is going to be that kind of leader for this generation. I, for one, can't wait for him to get started. It feels so great to be proud of our President again.